For the past few days the Airstream has been parked at Bonita Campground in the Chiricahua National Monument. It’s been a great camping experience and it’s not quite over. It’s also been interesting to be completely disconnected for a few days!

The campground we’re staying in doesn’t have any real cell coverage at all. The phone tells me there’s no tower, no data, nothing. So the phone has been off.

Imagine that. The phone is off!

I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty unusual these days. Everyone has their portable devices to stay “connected” round the clock. You can google whatever you want, Tweet your brains out, and pile image after image onto Instagram. So, what happens when the phone is off? Life goes on, even without it.

I do have to say, I’ve been spoiled by net technology to be sure. Yesterday while hiking Echo Canyon I found myself a little uncomfortable that the phone wasn’t working. “What if I fall off this cliff? Can’t call for help…..”

In 1993 when I started backpacking all over New Hampshire’s White Mountains (a get away from Grad School) I had no phone. No HAM radio. Whenever I went into the White Mountains I was on my own. If something happened I’d just have to wait for another hiker or ranger to pass by. And I was totally comfortable with it.

Today I find myself a little embarrassed that I was so concerned yesterday while hiking. After all, hiking is the get away. The removal from the constant contact of today’s tech. And I’m going to have to work on being comfortable without signal. After all, I used to hike without distraction.

Amazing that the digital wireless revolution happened a little less than 20 years ago. And I wonder how many readers have found themselves feeling weird if they’re not connected too……

Oh and if you’re wondering how this post made it up? We had to drive into Willcox for gas and a few items. By the time you read this post I’ll be back in the land of no signal.